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Fairmount Park Horse Racing Track in Illinois

Established in 1925, Fairmount Park has long held its position as one of the top racetracks in the State of Illinois. It is home to the Fairmount Derby which is widely considered to be one of the best races in the country. The legacy of the Fairmount Derby started right near the beginning of the track’s history and it certainly has not lost popularity over the years.

Construction on the racetrack originally began in 1924 under the direction of Culflash & Edwards. However, a number of complications arose and the track was only completed the following year by Colonel Bradley and Matt Winn. The track was fashioned after the already renowned Churchill Downs and as a result is a favourite when training for meets at Churchill Downs.

The track is roughly one mile in length and it takes the shape of the classic racing oval. It has a clay and sand surface which ensures a springy surface in good weather. There are two chutes – one caters for six furlong races and the other provides room for 1 ¼ mile races. The homestretch is roughly 1,050 ft and the track is between 70 and 80 ft wide. There are 1,080 stalls, 22 barns and enough seating on the grandstand for 2,198 people.

When you’re not watching the races you can enjoy some great food at any one of the three restaurants. On the first floor of the clubhouse you’ll find the First Turn Café while on the second floor you’ll find the Black Stallion Dining Room. The Top of the Turf restaurant offers delectable dishes served in exquisite style and it is located on the third floor. Together these restaurants can cater to about 950 people. There is also enough parking for 4,140 cars and simulcast racing is available. Races at Fairmount Park take place between March and September and make for great fun.

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racetracks, illinois, fairmount park, churchill downs, simulcast racing, fairmount derby
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Team Horseracing.com - 2011-05-20 08:09:15

i would like a date to reserve a table for 8-10 people for the black stallion restaurant. please send me the web site or phone number.
Hi Denise Wise, You can contact Fairmount Park through the link to their website in the last paragraph of this article. All the best - Team HorseRacing.com

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denise wise - 2011-05-20 04:49:32

i would like a date to reserve a table for 8-10 people for the black stallion restaurant. please send me the web site or phone number.

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Team Horseracing.com - 2010-11-02 09:52:58

Hi Daniel, Thank you for visiting HorseRacing.com and posting a comment. We appreciate the input of your users and hope to hear more from you again soon.

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